Gordon Earl Tabor, 64, passed away Sept. 2, 2008, surrounded by his loving family. He was born Feb. 23, 1944, in Huntingburg, Ind., to Earl and Kathleen (Peach) Tabor. In 1962, Gordon graduated from Bosse High School in Evansville, where, as a tennis champion, he earned a full scholarship to Arizona State University. After attending Arizona State for one year, Gordon returned to Indiana and, in 1966, graduated from Butler University, where he was president of Kappa Sigma fraternity. He received his law degree from Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis in 1970 and was admitted to the Bar the same year. Gordon was the senior partner of Tabor Law Firm, where he developed a successful law practice with his brothers, Roy and Jeff, concentrating on plaintiff's personal injury and wrongful death law.

During his distinguished law career, Gordon served as president of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, vice president of the Indianapolis Bar Association and chairman of the Marion County Medical-Legal Committee. He was active in the American Board of Trial Advocates as a Charter member and diplomat, serving on its National Board of Directors and as a national committee member. In the fall of 1992, Gordon was one of six trial lawyers from the nation to accompany an ABOTA delegation to the Soviet Union to promote and encourage use of the American jury system. One of Gordon's proudest accomplishments was his induction as a Fellow into the American College of Trial Lawyers and the Indiana College of Trial Lawyers. He was listed in Who's Who in American Law. He was honored by being designated as one of the Best Lawyers in America. In 1980, Gordon served on the Ronald Reagan Transition team and was awarded a Sagamore of the Wabash in 1984 by Governor Robert Orr. In 1997, Gordon was presented with the American Board of Trial Advocates Presidential Award of Merit for distinguished service and outstanding leadership as a member of the President's Council and Chairman of the Speakers Bureau Committee. This same year, he was awarded the Indianapolis Bar Foundation Recognition Award for outstanding and unstinting devotion and service. The past two years, Gordon was proudly honored to be nominated by the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association as one of three attorneys for the Trial Attorney of the Year Award.

Beyond his professional achievements, Gordon was active in standardbred horse racing. He served on the Indiana Standardbred Breed Development Committee. He was a fisherman, an avid golfer and member of Hillcrest and Tippecanoe Lake Country Clubs. He also loved spending time with his family, especially summers at Lake Wawasee. Gordon was a member of St. Luke's Methodist Church.

Gordon is survived by his devoted wife, Lou Ann (Linsmith) Tabor; children, Heather Preusse (Stephen), Anne Miller (Matthew) and Gordon Scott Tabor; grandchildren, Madeline and Evan Preusse; brothers, Roy Tabor (Jennifer) and Jeffrey Tabor (Karen); and nieces and nephews, Elizabeth, Alex, Luke and Sam Tabor.

In honor of Gordon's commitment to education, the Gordon E. Tabor Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established at Butler University. The scholarship will be awarded to undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in the law. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Gordon E. Tabor Memorial Scholarship Fund at Butler University, 4600 Sunset Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46208. The family wishes to thank Gordon's many friends who provided an invaluable support system to him during his brief illness.

Friends and family may gather on Friday, Sept. 5th from 3 to 8 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, with additional calling from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6th.

Funeral service will be on Saturday, Sept. 6th at 11 a.m. at St. Luke's United Methodist Church. You are invited to visit www.leppertmortuary.com to sign the guest book, leave a personal message or make a memorial contribution.

Arrangements and care entrusted to Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel.

September 4, 2008
Dear Roy and Family, my deepest sympathy to you in the passing of your big brother. I know he was not only your brother, but your mentor and friend. I remember when you left Evansville and went to work with him. I know you and your family feel he left you all too soon, but we must put our trust in a loving and just God who knows best. Polly Nix (St. Louis, MO)

September 4, 2008
Florence and I want to express our deepest sympathies. He will be missed by all of us. God threw away the mold when he made Gordon. He was indeed one of a kind. Florence and Ben Borman (Carmel, IN)

September 4, 2008
Tom Kouts (Eddyville, KY)

September 4, 2008
I will miss my fellow Bosse High School graduate. I will miss my fellow lawyer. I will miss my friend. Gordon was a very good man. My deepest sympathy to his family at this difficult time. Bob Brothers (Indianapolis, IN)

September 5, 2008
Dear Roy, our heart-felt sympathy goes out to you and Jeff during your tremendous loss. May God hold you close at this time and may all Gordon imparted into your life bring you joy in all your tomorrows. Betty & Don Nix (Evansville, IN)

September 7, 2008
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever. Glenn Augustine (Newburgh, IN)

September 8, 2008
My deepest sympathy to Gordon's family and friends. I am so sorry to hear the sad news. Gordan and I were fellow graduates of Washington Grade School and Bosse High School. Judy (Mayfield/Morrison) Beall (Culpeper, VA)

September 8, 2008
My heart goes out to you and may you find peace in the memories and love that you have shared. Barbara Luton Helm (Franklin, NC)